Small-Signal (or Small Disturbance) Stability is the ability of a power system to maintain synchronism when subjected to small disturbances
such disturbances occur continually on the system due to small variations in loads and generation
disturbance considered sufficiently small if linearization of system equations is permissible for analysis
Corresponds to Liapunov's first method of stability analysis
Small-signal analysis using powerful linear analysis techniques provides valuable information about the inherent dynamic characteristics of the power system and assists in its robust design
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Small Signal (Rotor Angle) Stability
Description of Small Signal Stability Problems
local problems
global problems
Methods of analysis
time-domain analysis and its limitations
modal analysis using linearized model
Characteristics of local plant mode oscillations
Characteristics of interarea oscillations
Enhancement of Small Signal Stability
August 10, 1996 Disturbance of North American
Western Interconnected system
Outline
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Small-Signal (Angle) Stability
Small-Signal (or Small Disturbance) Stability is the
ability of a power system to maintain synchronism
when subjected to small disturbances
such disturbances occur continually on the system
due to small variations in loads and generation
disturbance considered sufficiently small if
linearization of system equations is permissible for
analysis
Corresponds to Liapunov's first method of stability
analysis
Small-signal analysis using powerful linear analysis
techniques provides valuable information about the
inherent dynamic characteristics of the power system
and assists in its robust design
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Instability that may result can be of two forms:
aperiodic increase in rotor angle due to lack of
sufficient synchronizing torque
rotor oscillations of increasing amplitude due to lack
of sufficient damping torque
In today's practical systems, small signal stability is
usually one of insufficient damping of system
oscillations.
local problems or global problems
Local problems involve a small part of the system.
They may be associated with
rotor angle modes
local plant modes
inter-machine modes
control modes
torsional modes
Global problems have widespread effects. They are
associated with
interarea oscillations
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Local Rotor Angle Stability Problems
Associated with either local plant mode oscillations or
inter-machine oscillations
frequency of oscillation in the range of 0.7 to 2.0 Hz
Local plant mode oscillations
oscillation of a single generator or plant against rest
of the power system
Inter-machine or inter-plant mode oscillations
oscillation between the rotors of a few generators
close to each other
Stability of the local plant mode oscillations is
determined by
strength of transmission as seen by plant
excitation control
plant output and voltage
Instability may also be associated with a non-oscillatory
mode
encountered with manual excitation control
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Global Rotor Angle Stability Problems
A very low frequency mode involving all the generators
in the system
system is essentially split into two parts
generators in one part swing against generators in
the other part
frequency in the order of 0.1 to 0.3 Hz
Higher frequency modes involving sub-group of
generators swinging against each other
frequency typically in the range of 0.4 to 0.7 Hz
Large interconnected systems usually have two
distinct forms of interarea oscillations:
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Examples of Inter-area Oscillation modes
The 0.28 Hz mode
in WECC
The 0.49 Hz mode
in Eastern
US/Canada
interconnection
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State Space Representation of a
Dynamic System
The behaviour of a dynamic system can be described
by a set of first order differential equations in the
state-space form
x is an n-dimensional state vector
f is an n-dimensional nonlinear function
u is a r-dimensional input vector
The outputs of the system are nonlinear functions of the
state and input vectors
y is an m-dimensional output vector
g is an m-dimensional nonlinear function
At steady state, the system is at an equilibrium point x0
satisfying
uxfx ,
uxgy ,
0, 00 uxf
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Linearization
Nonlinear dynamic behaviour:
Output variables:
At equilibrium point (x0,u0):
Small perturbation about equilibrium point:
New state equation:
Since perturbations are small:
f(x,u) can be expressed in terms of Taylor's series
expansion
terms involving second and higher order powers of Dx
and Du may be neglected
uxfx ,
uxgy ,
0, 000 uxfx
uuuxxx DD 00 ,
uu,xxf
xxx
00
0
DD
D
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A, B, C, D are the Jacobians of the system. A is also
referred to as the state matrix or the plant matrix.
n
n
n
1
1
n
1
1
x
x
x
f
x
f
x
f
A
uDxCy
uBxAx
DDD
DDD
Linearization cont'd
n
n
n
1
1
n
1
1
u
x
u
f
u
f
u
f
B
n
m
n
1
1
m
1
1
x
g
x
g
x
g
x
g
C
r
m
n
1
1
m
1
1
u
g
u
g
u
g
u
g
D
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Analysis of Stability in the Small
(Small Signal Stability)
The stability in the small of a nonlinear system is given
by the roots of the characteristic equation of the system
of first approximation, i.e., by the eigenvalues of the
state matrix A
If the eigenvalues have negative real parts, then the
original system is asymptotically stable
When at least one of the eigenvalues has a positive real
part, the original system is unstable
The theoretical foundation for the analysis of stability
in the small is based on Liapunov's first method:
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Limitations of Nonlinear Time Domain
Analysis
Results can be deceptive
critical mode may not be sufficiently excited by the
chosen disturbance
poorly damped modes may not be dominant in the
observed response
It may be necessary to carry out simulations up to 20
seconds
computational burden is high
massive amount of data has to be analyzed
This approach does not give insight into the nature of
the problem
difficult to identify sources of the problem
mode shapes not clearly identified
corrective measures are not readily indicated
Using nonlinear time domain simulations to analyze
small signal stability problems has the following
limitations:
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Post-Processing of Time-Domain Signals
Using Prony Analysis
This is a method of spectral analysis
a method of fitting a series of damped sinusoids to a
given signal
For a signal record y(t), the Prony method fits a
function of the form
Ai the amplitude of the ith mode in the signal
the frequency (Hz) of the ith mode
the damping ratio of the ith mode
i the phase (rad) of the ith mode in the signal
Prony analysis has the advantage that it can be used
on any signal: measured or simulated
It can be used together with time-domain simulation to
estimate the frequency and damping of modes of
oscillations
First published in 1795
M
1i
ii
t
i )tcos(eA)t(y i
2
f i
i
22
i
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Pros and Cons of the Prony Analysis
A linear model can be aggregated from a time domain
response
This gives useful information which can help verify
and complement the results of the linear modal
analysis
However, the basic limitations of the time domain
analysis approach still remain
The spectral analysis is subject to these drawbacks:
it can evaluate only those modes that exist in the
variables monitored
limited or no information about mode shapes
it only looks at the system through a small window
resolution of close modes presents challenges
for a nonlinear system, different windows may give
different results
Often, useful in extracting modal information from
measured time domain response
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Modal Analysis Approach
Modal analysis using eigenvalue approach has proven
to be the most practical way to analyze small signal
stability problems
Advantages are:
individual modes of oscillations are clearly identified
relationships between modes and system
variables/parameters can be easily determined by
computing eigenvectors
Frequency response, poles, zeros, and residues can be
easily computed. Such information is useful in control
system design
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Eigenproperties of the State Matrix
Eigenvalues and eigenvectors
l is an eigenvalue
f is the right eigenvector associated with l
is the left eigenvector associated with l
Modal matrices
is the right eigenvector matrix
Y is the left eigenvector matrix
Relationships
I is the unit matrix
is a diagonal matrix: =diag[l1... ln]
ψψA
φAφ
l
l
TT
n
T
2
T
1
n21
ψψψΨ
φφφΦ
ΛAΦΦ
IΨΦΦΛAΦ
1
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Free Motion of a Linear Dynamic System
Free motion of a linear dynamic system is described
by
In order to eliminate the cross coupling between the
state variables consider the state transformation
State space equations in z is a set of decoupled
differential equations
The above represents uncoupled first order (scalar)
differential equations
Time domain response
where is the initial condition
Axx
zΦx
zzΦAΦz 1
n,...,2,1izz iii l
t
ii
i
e0ztz l
0xΨ0z ii
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Time Response of System Variables
Response in terms of the original state vector:
x(t) = Φz(t)
The time response of the state variable xi is given by
a linear combination of n dynamic modes
corresponding to the n eigenvalues of the state matrix
ci=ψix(0) represents the magnitude of the excitation of
the ith mode due to the initial conditions
if the initial condition lies along the jth eigenvector, only
the jth mode will be excited (since ΨiΦj=0 for all i ≠ j)
If the vector representing the initial condition is not an
eigenvector, it can be represented by a linear
combination of the n eigenvectors. The response of the
system will be the sum of n responses
if a component along an eigenvector of the initial
conditions is zero, the corresponding mode will not be
excited.
t
nin
t
22i
t
11ii
n21 ececectx lll
fff
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Eigenvalue and Stability
A real eigenvalue corresponds to a non-oscillatory
mode
A pair of complex eigenvalues l j correspond to
an oscillatory mode
frequency of the mode
damping ratio of the mode
2
f
22
Eigenvalue plots and corresponding
time response
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Damping Ratio
Determines rate of decay of the amplitude of
oscillation
For an oscillatory mode represented by a complex pair
of eigenvalues j, the damping ratio is given by:
The time constant of amplitude decay is
The amplitude decays to 1/e or 37% of the initial
amplitude in t seconds or in cycles of oscillation
As we are dealing with oscillatory modes having a
wide range of frequencies, damping ratio rather than
time constant is more appropriate for expressing the
degree of damping
A 5 sec time constant represents amplitude decay to
37% of initial value in 5 cycles for 1 Hz local plant
mode, and in one-half cycle for 0.1 Hz interarea mode
A damping ratio of 0.03 represents the same degree of
amplitude decay in 5 cycles for all modes
22
t
1
2
1
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Right Eigenvector and Mode Shape
A state variable is related to individual modes by
fji is the ith element in the right eigenvector fj
if fji = 0, the jth mode is unobservable in xi
if fji is large, the jth mode will show up strongly in
xi
therefore, fj determines the mode shape of the jth
mode
The mode shape indicates the relative activities of the
state variables when a particular mode is excited.
The magnitudes of the the eigenvector elements give the
extent of the activities; the angles of the elements give
phase displacements.
The relative phase angles of the elements in the right
eigenvector can be used to determine the direction of
the oscillation in the associated state variables.
tztztztztx nnijji2i21i1i ffff
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Methods to Show Mode Shape
Mode shape geographical plot
This plot shows the generator rotor angles observable in
the mode at 0.28 Hz and 1.46% damping. The ones with
red cross oscillate against those with blue circles.
This is a mode in which units in northern WECC swing
against those in the southern WECC.
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Left Eigenvector and Participation Factors
A mode is related to individual state variables by
ji is the ith element in the left eigenvector j
if ji = 0, the jth mode cannot be controlled by xi
if ji is large, the jth mode is largely determined by xi
One problem in using directly the left eigenvector to
quantitatively determine the contribution of a state
variable to a mode is that the elements of the left
eigenvector are dependent on units and scaling
The solution is to weight the left eigenvector by the right
eigenvector to obtain a quantity independent of unit and
scaling
this is called the participation factor
participation factors measure the participation of state
variables in modes. For instance, the larger pji the
more the state variable xi participates in the jth mode
jijijip f
txtxtxtxtz njniji22j11jj
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Concept of Mode
In frequency domain, a mode refers to a real eigenvalue
or a pair of conjugate complex eigenvalues
Modal analysis of the linearized system model is the
perfect tool to obtain characteristics of individual
modes
In time-domain, a mode is a component in a time
response that has a single frequency and damping,
together with other attributes of the sinusoid (amplitude
and phase angle).
Prony analysis is one way to decompose time-domain
signals to obtain individual modes, although it is often
difficult to obtain the complete modal characteristics
By its dynamic nature, a power system inherently
consists of many modes.
If a mode has poor damping and when it is excited by a
disturbance, it can be observed from the post-
disturbance time-domain responses of variables that
have high observability in this mode
When the system is unstable
individual mode(s) unstable
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Assessment of Modes Using Prony
Signal composed
from modes
identified
Simulated or
measured signal
With Mode #1
only (DC offset)
With Modes #1
and #2
With Modes #1,
#2, and #3
Mode
#
Amplitude
Frequency
(Hz)
Damping
(%)
Phase
()
1 29.9 0.0 N/A 0.0
2 7.5 0.72 4.3 36.2
3 6.2 0.67 6.2 67.6
Eigenvalue for mode #2: -0.19+j4.52
Eigenvalue for mode #3: -0.26+j4.21
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Fig. 15.3 Rotor natural frequencies and mode shapes of a 555
MVA, 3,600 RPM steam-turbine generator
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Controllability and Observability
For a linear dynamic system
Apply state transformation x = z,
If the ith row of matrix -1B is zero, the ith mode is said
to be uncontrollable
If the ith column of matrix C is zero, the ith mode is said
to be unobservable
These concepts are useful in control system design
First proposed by R.E. Kalman in 1960
DuCxy
BuAxx
DuzCΦy
BuΦΛzz
1
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Transfer Functions
For a single-input-single-output (SISO) system
(assuming D=0)
The transfer function is given by
S1, S2, ... are poles (eigenvalues)
z1. z2... are zeros
R1, R2, ... are residues, given by:
cx
bAxx
y
u
n
n
n
n
s
R
s
R
s
R
sss
zszszs
K
s
su
sy
sG
l
l
l
lll
2
2
1
1
21
21
1
bAlc
bψcφR iii
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Computation of Eigenvalues
The key problem in modal analysis is to compute
eigenvalues of the linearized model of power systems
Depending on the system size or analysis objectives,
one of two computation options can be used:
a) Computation of all eigenvalues of the system using
QR method
This is possible for small to medium sized power
systems (up to a couple of thousand states)
All modes present in the model will be captured
b) Computation of partial eigenvalues in specific
frequency ranges using Arnoldi-type algorithm
Applicable to systems of any size
Ideal for analysis of interarea modes
Selective computation also helps focus on the
modes of interest and facilitates analysis
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Comparison of Computation Speed
On one 2.0 GHz Pentium 4 PC with 512 MB memory,
running Windows 2000
For a power system model with 34,381 buses, 3,870
generators, and 41,382 dynamic states
Computation time is scalable to the system size and
number of contingencies to be processed
The following shows the comparison of typical
computation speed for time-domain simulations and
eigenvalue calculations:
Computation Time (min)
One 10-second time-domain simulation - TSAT 7.9
Mode scan in the frequency range of 0.2 and 0.8
Hz and damping range of 0% and 10% (24
modes were computed) - SSAT
2.9
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Characteristics of Local Plant Mode
Oscillations
Local mode oscillation problems most commonly
encountered
dates back to the 1950s and 1960s
associated with units of a plant swinging against rest of
system
Characteristics well understood
analysis using block diagram approach (K-constants)
gives physical insight
Encountered by a plant with high output feeding into weak
transmission network (K5 negative)
more pronounced with high response exciters/AVR
Adequate damping readily achieved using Power System
Stabilizers (PSS)
excitation control
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First published by Heffron and Phillips to analyze a
single machine (or a plant) connected to a large
system (represented by an infinite bus) through a
transmission network
System is represented by a block diagram as shown in
Fig. SSS-1 with
K constants as parameters
Dd, D, D Y fd, DEfd as the state variables
This approach is limited to analysis of single machine-
infinite bus systems with generator damper windings
neglected
here we use it to complement the results of
eigenvalue analysis
provides physical insight into the effects of
excitation control
Block Diagram Approach to the Analysis of
Local Mode Problems
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Fig. SSS-1 Block diagram of a synchronous machine with
excitation control
δ = ROTOR ANGLE (rads) Gex = EXCITER TRANSFER FUNCTION
ω = ROTOR SPEED (p.u.) GPSS = PSS TRANSFER FUNCTION
Ψfd = FIELD FLUX LINKAGE M = INERTIA CONSTANT (2H)
Efd = FIELD VOLTAGE
Ef = TERMINAL VOLTAGE
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Block Diagram Interpretation
The following expressions form the basis for the block
diagram
Rotor acceleration
Electrical torque
Field flux linkage
Terminal voltage
D
dD
DD
D
0
em
dt
d
TT
M
1
dt
d
fd21e KKT DYdDD
3
3
4fdfd
sT1
K
KE
dDDDY
fd65t KKE DYdDD
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Illustrative Example
Consider the following simple system
Initial condition
P = 0.9, Q = 0.3, Et = 1.0
Small signal and transient stability are studies with
classical model
constant field voltage
static exciter with AVR
static exciter with AVR and PSS
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System Stability with Constant Field
Voltage
Field flux variations are caused only by feedback of
through K4
this represents the demagnetizing effect of armature
reaction
Constants K2 and K3 are always positive; K4 is usually
positive
Due to the phase lag introduced by field circuit time
constant (T3), the effect of DYfd due to armature reaction
is to introduce
negative synchronizing torque at low frequencies
positive damping torque and a small negative
synchronizing torque component at typical oscillating
frequencies of 1 Hz
System stability depends on the net synchronizing
torque
reaches steady state stability limit when
K1 = K2K3K4
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Small Signal Stability with AVR
(Example 12.4a)
Case 1: Generator output P=0.9, Q=0.3
K-constants:
K5 = -0.146, K6 = 0.417
Eigenvalues:
l1,2 = +0.5j 7.23 (= -0.07, fn = 1.15 Hz)
l3 = -20.2 j 0 oscillatory instability
l4 = -31.2 j 0
At 1.15 Hz:
KS(AVR+AR) = 0.2115 pu torque/rad
KD(AVR+AR) = -7.06 pu torque/pu speed change
Case 2: Generator output P = 0.3, Q = 0.1
K – constants:
K5 = 0.025, K6 = 0.54
Eigenvalues:
l1,2 = -0.04j 6.15 ( =0.007, fn = 0.98 Hz)
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Effect of AVR
Effect of AVR depends on the values of K5 and K6
K6 is always positive
K5 can be positive or negative
K5 positive
for low Xe and low P0
effect of AVR is to introduce
negative synchronizing torque
positive damping torque
K5 negative
for high Xe and high P0
effect of AVR is to introduce
positive synchronizing torque
negative damping torque
above effect is more pronounced with higher exciter
response
Situations with K5 negative is commonly encountered
this could lead to oscillatory instability
an effective solution is to use PSS
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Principle of PSS
Uses auxiliary stabilizing signal to control excitation
most logical signal is D
If transfer functions of exciter and generator were pure
gains
direct feedback of D would result in damping
torque
In practice, the generator and possibly exciter exhibit
frequency dependent gain and phase characteristics
phase compensation results in a pure damping
torque component
Exact phase compensation results in a pure damping
torque component
over compensation introduces negative
synchronizing torque component
under compensation introduces positive
synchronizing torque component
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Time Domain Responses of Different Models
Fig. SMIB-1 Rotor Angle
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Power System Stabilizers
Small signal stability problem is usually one of
insufficient damping of system oscillations
Power system stabilizers (PSS) are the most cost
effective means of solving SSS problems
The purpose is to add damping to the generator rotor
oscillations
This is achieved by modulating the generator
excitation so as to develop a component of electrical
torque in phase with rotor speed deviations
Common input signals include: shaft speed, integral of
power and generator terminal frequency
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Delta-Omega Stabilizer
(Based on Shaft Speed Signal)
a) Application to Hydraulic Units:
Used successfully since mid-1960s
Requires minimization of noise
noise below 5 Hz level must be <0.02%
shaft runout (lateral movement) produces most
significant noise components
low frequency noise cannot be removed by
conventional filters; elimination must be intrinsic in
method of signal measurement
Speed outputs are summed from several locations on
shaft
Stabilizer disconnected at gate positions below 70%
prevent effects of turbine vibrations at partial gate
opening
b) Application to Thermal Units:
Stabilizer may cause instability of torsional
oscillations
Speed should be sensed at nodes of torsional modes;
requires torsional filters
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Delta-Omega Stabilizer cont'd
The disadvantages of the Delta-Omega stabilizer are:
torsional filer is needed. This can introduce phase
lag at lower frequencies and destabilize exciter
mode
it imposes maximum limit on stabilizer gain
custom design is required for each unit to deal with
torsional modes
Delta-P-Omega stabilizer was developed to overcome
these problems
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Frequency Based Stabilizers
The frequency signal is obtained in one of two ways
terminal frequency signal is used directly as the
stabilizer input signal
Vt and It are used to derive the frequency of a
voltage behind a simulated machine reactance so as
to approximate the machine rotor speed
On steam-turbine units torsional modes must be
filtered
Gain may be adjusted to obtain the best possible
performance under weak ac transmission system
conditions
Better performance for damping interarea modes than
speed-based stabilizers
Disadvantages
spike may occur in EFD during a rapid transient
(terminal frequency signal will see a sudden phase
shift)
frequency signal often contains power system noise
torsional filtering is required
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Delta-P-Omega Stabilizer
Signal proportional to rotor speed deviation can be
derived from the accelerating power
It is important to derive Deq which does not contain
torsional modes
Torsional components are inherently attenuated in the
integral of DPe signal
The problem is to measure the integral of DPm free of
torsional modes
Neglecting DPm is unsatisfactory if mechanical power
changes
Delta-P-Omega uses:
dtPP
M
1
emeq DDD
em PMP DDD
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Pm changes are slow; so, simple low pass filter can be
used to remove torsionals
Advantages over the Delta-Omega stabilizer
DPe signal has a high degree of torsional attenuation
generally there is no need for a torsional filter in the
main stabilizing path
higher stabilizer gain is possible which results in
better damping of system oscillations
Standard design for all units (end-of-shaft speed
sensing arrangement with a simple torsional filter)
Delta-P-Omega Stabilizer cont'd
D
D
D
D s
Ms
sP
sG
Ms
sP
s ee
eq
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Interarea Oscillation Problems
Used to occur in isolated situations
since mid-1980s has become more commonplace
increasingly being identified in planning and
operating studies
In the early 1990s major efforts undertaken to
investigate interarea oscillation problems:
Canadian Electric Association (CEA) Research
Project 294 T622 Report, 1993
IEEE System Oscillations Working Report 95TP101,
1994
CIGRE Technical Brochure on “Analysis and Control
of Power System Oscillations" prepared by
TF38.01.07, 1996
We first illustrate the nature of interarea oscillations by
considering a simple two area system
see paper #2 in Appendix
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Example 12.6: A Simple Two Area System
Two similar areas connected by a weak tie. Each area
consists of two 900 MVA thermal units, loaded to 700
MW
With all 4 units on manual excitation control,
determine:
all eigenvalues of the system state matrix
for each mode, state variables with high
participation
frequencies, damping ratios, and mode shapes of
rotor angle modes
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Example 12.6 (cont'd)
Table E12.3 System modes with manual excitation control
Fig. E12.10 Mode shapes of rotor angle modes with manual
excitation control
(a) Inter-area mode
f=0.545 Hz, =0.032
(b) Area 1 local mode
f=1.087 Hz, =0.072
(c) Area 2 local mode
f=1.117 Hz, =0.072
G4
G3
G2
G1
G3
G4G2
G1
zero
eigen
values
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Example 12.6 (cont'd)
Determine the frequencies and damping ratios of rotor
angle modes with different types of control
Local inter-machine modes have same degree of damping with
DC and thyristor exciters (with and without TGR)
Inter-area mode has
a small positive damping with DC exciter
a small negative damping with a high gain thyristor
exciter
a large negative damping with thyristor exciter with TGR
PSS results in a significant damping of all the rotor angle
modes
Type of excitation
control
Eigenvalue/(frequency in Hz, damping ratio)
Inter-area mode Area 1 local mode Area 2 local mode
(i) DC exciter -0.018 ± j 3.27
(f = 0.52, ζ = 0.005)
-0.485 ± j 6.81
(f = 1.08, ζ = 0.07)
-0.500 ± j 7.00
(f = 1.11, ζ = 0.07)
(ii) Thyristor with
high gain
+0.013 ± j 3.84
(f = 0.61, ζ = -0.008)
-0.490 ± j 7.15
(f = 1.14, ζ = 0.07)
-0.496 ± j 7.35
(f =1.17, ζ = 0.07)
(iii) Thyristor with
TGR
+0.123 ± j 3.46
(f = 0.55, ζ = -0.036)
-0.450 ± j 6.86
(f = 1.09, ζ = 0.06)
-0.462 ± j 7.05
(f =1.12, ζ = 0.06)
(iv) Thyristor with
PSS
-0.501 ± j 3.77
(f = 0.60, ζ = 0.13)
-1.826 ± j 8.05
(f =1.28, ζ = 0.22)
-1.895 ± j 8.35
(f =1.33, ζ = 0.22)
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Redundant State Variables and Zero
Eigenvalues
Formulation of system state equations uses absolute
change in machine rotor angle and speed
will result in one or two zero eigenvalues
One of the zero eigenvalues associated with lack of
uniqueness of absolute rotor angle
angles of all machines may be changed by same
value without affecting stability
absent if "infinite buses" included
Second zero eigenvalue exists if all generator toques
are independent of speed deviation
no governors and KD = 0
Zero eigenvalues may not be computed exactly due to
limited computational accuracy
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Effect of Generator and Excitation System
Characteristics on Inter-Area Mode Shapes
Note: 1. These results are from Paper #2 in Appendix
2. Loads assumed to have constant Z characteristics
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Characteristics of Low Frequency
Interarea Oscillations (LFIO)
Oscillations between two groups of generators
Two distinct forms:
a) A very low frequency mode involving all generators
entire system split into two parts, with
generators in one part swinging against
generators in the other part
frequency in the range: 0.1 to 0.3 Hz
b) Higher frequency modes involving a subgroup of
generators swinging against another subgroup
frequency in the range: 0.4 to 0.7 Hz
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Incidents of Interarea Oscillations
Many incidents of poorly damped or unstable oscillations
have been reported worldwide:
Michigan-Ontario-Quebec: 0.25 Hz in 1959
Saskatchewan-Manitoba-Ontario West: 0.35-0.45 Hz in the
1960s
WSCC (WECC): Between 0.1 - 0.33 Hz in 1967-1980; 0.28 Hz
August 1996 and August 2000
MAPP: Over 70 unstable oscillations (0.12-0.25 Hz) in 1971 and
1972
NPCC: 0.24-0.4 Hz in 1985
Nordel: 0.5 Hz in late 1960; 0.33 Hz in 1980
Italy-Yugoslavia-Austria: 0.17-0.22 Hz in 1971-1974
Australia: 0.6 Hx in 1975; 0.2 Hz in 1982 and 1983
Scotland-England: 0.5 Hz in 1978 and 1979
Taiwan: 1.0-1.1 Hz in 1984
Ghana-Ivory Coast: 0.6-0.7 Hz in 1985
Southern Brazil: 0.5, 0.8, 1.2 Hz in 1985-1987
Scandinavia: 0.5 Hz in January 1997
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LFIO System Experiences:
Ontario Hydro/NPCC
First observed in 1985 in planning and operating
studies
Confirmed by on-line measurements
Involved the entire NPCC and eastern interconnected
system
Frequency varied between 0.25 and 0.4 Hz depending
on operating conditions and load levels
Mode shape for one condition shown in Figure
Based on extensive investigations, following remedial
measures taken by OH:
returned PSS on all major units (static exciters)
retrofitted Pickering NGS with PSS (AC exciters);
most effective since close to load centre
PSS for new units at Darlington NGS designed to
damp LFIO
monitors installed throughout Ontario
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Effect of Excitation Control of Darlington
Units on the Interarea Mode
Type of Excitation Control
Interarea Mode
Frequency Damping Ratio
a) Thyristor Exciter with high
transient gain
0.192 Hz 0.009
b) Thyrister Exciter with
transient gain reduction
0.187 Hz -0.057
d) Thyristor Exciter with high
transient gain and PSS
0.179 Hz 0.122
Note: Based on results presented in Paper #1 in Appendix
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CEA Research Project 294 T622
Conclusions regarding fundamental nature of LFIO:
Characteristics (mode shape, damping) of LFIO are a
complex function of:
network configuration/strength
load characteristics
types of excitation systems and their locations
Load characteristics, in particular, have a major effect
more pronounced with slow exciters
In a stressed system, motor or constant power load at
receiving end has adverse effect on damping
sending end has slightly beneficial effect
A mode of oscillation in one part of system can excite
units in a remote part due to mode coupling
Analysis requires detailed and same level of
representation throughout the system
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CEA Project 294 T622 cont'd
Damping of LFIO with PSS
The controllability of LFIO with PSS is a function of:
location of units with PSS
characteristics and locations of loads
types of exciters on other units
Damping of LFIO wit PSS achieved primarily by
modulating loads
Identification of units on which PSS most effective:
a high participation factor is a necessary but not
sufficient condition
initial screening by participation factors
residues and frequency responses can supplement
screening
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Enhancement of Small-Signal Stability
1. Excitation Control: Power System Stabilizers
2. Supplementary Control of HVDC Links, SVCs,
and other FACTS devices
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Damping Ratio (ζ)
An important index related to small-signal stability
The nature of system response largely depends on
the damping ratios of individual modes
The minimum acceptable level of damping below
which the power system cannot be operated
satisfactorily is not clearly established
Situations with damping ratios of less than 0.02 for
local plant mode and interarea mode oscillations
must be accepted with caution
In addition to the absolute value of damping ratio,
what is important is its sensitivity to variations in
operating conditions and system parameters
A low damping ratio but less sensitive to operating
conditions and system parameters is often
acceptable
In the design of power system stabilizer and other
forms of controllers for damping power system
oscillations, a good design target is to have a damping
ratio ζ of at least 0.1 for the mode(s) of interest
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Excitation Control Design
Design objectives:
Maximize the damping of the local plant modes as well
as interarea mode oscillations without compromising
the stability of other modes
Enhance system transient stability
Not adversely affect system performance during major
system upsets which cause large frequency
excursions
Minimize the consequences of excitation system
malfunction due to component failures
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Design Considerations
Exciter gain
high value of KA for transient stability (200)
transient gain reduction (TGR) is required only if
voltage regulator time constant is large or exciter
has significant time delays
TA about 1 second
TB about 10 seconds
TGR not required for Thyristor exciters
Phase lead compensation
compensate for lag between exciter input and
resulting electrical torque
design should provide damping over wide range of
frequency to cover local and interarea modes
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Design Considerations cont'd
Phase lead compensation (con't)
compute the frequency response between the
exciter input and the generator electrical torque with
the generator speed and rotor angle remaining
constant (assuming large inertia for the machine)
frequency response of any machine is sensitive to
the Thevenin equivalent system impedance at its
terminals but relatively independent of the dynamics
of other machines (assuming other machines are
infinite buses)
resulting phase characteristic has a relatively simple
form free from the effects of natural frequencies of
the external machines
select characteristic suitable for different system
conditions
Do not overcompensate !
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Stabilizing Signal Washout
High pass filter which prevents steady change in
speed from modifying the field voltage
Washout time constant TW should be high enough to
allow signals associated with oscillations in rotor
speed to pass unchanged
From the viewpoint of washout function, can be in the
range of 1 to 10 seconds
pass stabilizing signals at the frequencies of interest
not so long that it leads to undesirable generator voltage
excursions as a result of stabilizer action during system
islanding conditions
For local plant modes, TW of 1.5 s or higher
satisfactory
TW of less than 5 s results in significant phase lead at
low frequencies associated with interarea oscillations
this can reduce the synchronizing torque component
For systems with dominant interarea oscillations
either set TW to about 10 s, or
use one of the phase compensation blocks to provide
phase lag at low frequencies
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Stabilizer Gain
The stabilizer gain, KSTAB, has an important effect on
damping or rotor oscillations
It is necessary to examine the effect of KSTAB for a
wide range of values
Damping increases with an increase in KSTAB up to a
point
Gain is set to provide maximum damping with the
following considerations:
Delta-Omega stabilizer: due to the effect of the
torsional filter, the stability of the "exciter mode"
becomes an overriding consideration
Delta-P-Omega stabilizer: exciter mode stability is
not a problem, and a considerably higher value of
gain is acceptable – limited only by amplification of
signal noise considerations
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Stabilizer Limits
Positive output limit is set at a relatively large value
(0.1 to 0.2 pu)
This allows a high level of contribution from PSS
during large swings
Et limiter needed
High gain limiter can cause torsional mode instability
(Et has small components of torsionals) ... choose TC
and TD to provide high attenuation at torsional
frequencies, in addition to ensuring adequate degree
of limiter loop stability
Negative limit of -0.05 to -0.1 pu allows sufficient
control range and satisfactory transient response
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Setting Verification
Overall performance should be evaluated for the
stabilizer parameter setting
small signal stability program can be used to
examine performance over range of conditions
there should be no adverse interactions with the
controls of other nearby generating units and
devices, such as HVDC converters and SVCs
transient stability and long-term stability simulations
should also be used to verify the performance
coordination with other protections and controls,
such as Volts/Hz limiters and overexcitation/
underexcitation protection
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Commissioning and Field Verification
Actual response of unit with PSS measured and used
to verify analytical results
step change to AVR reference
disturbance external to plant, e.g., line switching
If there are discrepancies between measured and
computed responses
models modified and revised PSS settings
determined
During commissioning, PSS gain increased slowly up
to twice the chosen setting
exciter mode stability margin
input signal noise amplification
On-line tuning of PSS impractical !
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Hardware Design Considerations
Allow setting of PSS parameters over sufficiently wide
range
Ensure high degree of functional reliability and
flexibility for maintenance
component redundancy
duplicate PSS, AVR
Built-in facilities for dynamic tests
routine testing to avoid undetected failures
Importance of good design features often overlooked
many instances of operators disconnecting PSS
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Example of Stabilizer Application
Two thermal 488 MVA units equipped with thyristor
excitation systems
Units exhibit two dominant rotor oscillation modes: an
interarea mode of about 0.5 Hz and a local inter-
machine mode of about 2.0 Hz
Objective of excitation control design is to enhance
the transient as well as small signal stability of the
power system
Examine the performance using slow rotating exciters
also
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Thyristor excitation system:
High exciter gain of 212 (with no TGR) is used to
ensure good transient stability performance
Power system stabilizer
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Slow rotating excitation system:
Self-excited dc exciter
1. Type DC1A exciter model
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Slow signal stability performance:
Selection of PSS parameters
Determination of phase-lead compensation
G1 and G2 are represented with large inertia - all
others as infinite buses
Type of exciter
Local inter-machine mode Inter-area mode
Frequency Frequency
(a) Thyristor (no PSS) 1.823 Hz 0.049 0.550 Hz 0.006
(b) Rotating exciter 1.793 Hz 0.075 0.498 Hz 0.046
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Fig. 17.13 Response of unit G1 to a five-cycle three-
phase fault; peak load conditions
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Selection of PSS Location
For damping inter-area oscillations, best locations for
PSS may not be obvious in large systems
PSS adds damping to an inter-area mode largely by
modulating system loads
PSS with regard to a local mode is only slightly
affected by the load characteristics
Understanding these mechanisms is essential
Participation factors corresponding to speed
deviations of generating units are very useful for initial
screening
Rigorous evaluation using residues and frequency
responses should be carried out to determine
appropriate locations for the stabilizers
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Supplementary Control of HVDC Links,
SVCs and FACTS
Main tasks in controller design:
Selection of device and its location
option may not always exist
based on participation factors, residues, and
frequency response
Selection of feedback signal:
modes of concern must be observable in signal(s)
based on frequency response between device input
and potential signals
Controller design procedure
a variety of linear techniques available
varying degrees of procedure automation,
complexity, robustness, and applicability to large
system
Test overall performance
broad range of conditions and contingencies
small-signal and transient stability
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Approach
The physical mechanism by which non-generator
devices contribute to damping of inter-area
oscillations in highly meshed networks is not obvious
Control design techniques based on physical
principles, such as in PSS design, cannot be readily
applied
Control design methods based on linear control theory
were investigated
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Controller Design Methods Investigated
Phase and gain margin
based on Nyquist criteria
controller is designed to improve phase and gain
margins of the closed loop system
Pole placement
controller is designed so that the closed loop
system has a pole (eigenvalue) at a specific location
H-infinity
a computer aided control design technique
minimize H-infinity norm of the system transfer
function from the disturbance to the output over the
set of all stabilizing controllers
produces a controller that is robust in some sense
reduced order system model required
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Example of HVDC Link Modulation
Design of controller for an embedded HVDC link (with
parallel ac paths)
System based on the WSCC system with two HVDC
links:
Pacific Intertie, and
Intermountain
Controller designed for Pacific DC Intertie to improve
damping of 0.3 Hz north-south oscillations
All three methods of control design gave satisfactory
results
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Table 1
Low Frequency Modes of Original System
Mode
No.
All ccts I/S Grizzly-Malin O/S
Freq. (Hz) Damp Ratio Freq. (Hz) Damp Ratio
1. 0.298 0.079 0.284 0.077
2. 0.446 0.059 0.442 0.058
3. 0.607 0.045 0.606 0.046
4. 0.735 0.011 0.724 0.006
5. 0.747 0.073 0.746 0.072
6. 0.779 0.048 0.781 0.053
7. 0.804 0.045 0.796 0.042
8. 0.862 0.015 0.861 0.015
Note: Active component of loads assumed to have constant
current characteristics
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Selection of Modulating Signal
Mode to be damped, must be
observable in the signal
controllable by the device
Mode 1 (north-south mode) is controllable by the DC Intertie
Mode 4 (Arizona-California) is not controllable by the DC
Intertie but may be stabilized by PSS at Helms GS in California
PSS location identified by participation factor
Several signals considered for modulating the DC Intertie
difference between angles of rectifier and inverter ac bus
voltages selected for modulating the rectifier controls
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Derivation of Reduced Order Model
For application H-infinity robust controller design
technique
Objective:
Reduce a large order system model with up to 20,000
states to a transfer function model of order less than
15 which captures the essential characteristics of the
system
Approaches
compute poles and zeros in a dynamically reduced
model and eliminate close poles/zeros
compute important poles and zeros in large system
and supplement the transfer function using system
identification techniques
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Reduced Transfer Function for H-infinity
Control Design
Full system: 3866 states
Reduced transfer function: 12th order
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Frequency Response Between the Rectifier Current Reference and
Difference Between Rectifier and Inverter AC Voltage Phase Angles
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Table 2
Effect of HVDC Modulation on Mode 1 with
Grizzly-Malin cct O/S
Controller
Design
None
Pole
Modification
Phase/Gain
Margin
H-infinity
Freq. (Hz) 0.284 0.294 0.316 0.311
Damp Ratio 0.077 0.169 0.173 0.176
Table 3
Effect of PSS at Helms on Mode 4 with G-M cct O/S
PSS Out-of-Service In-Service
Freq. (Hz) 0.724 0.730
Damp Ratio 0.006 0.016
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Summary
Method
Allowable
System
Model
Effect on
Other Modes
Achievement of
Robustness
Handle on
Damping
Phase and
Gain Margins
Large
Can be
considered
Compromise in
design
Good
Pole Placement Large
Difficult to
predict
Compromise in
design
Very good
H-infinity
Reduced
(<15 states)
Considered
in design
Automatically
considered
Weak
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Conclusions
General:
Each of the three methods has its advantages and
disadvantages
With care and judgment, any method can be applied
successfully
H-infinity:
Robustness is built into the method
Selection of the weighting functions is critical
Method needs reformulation to be more directly
applicable to power systems
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WSCC August 10, 1996 Disturbance
Analysis and Mitigation
Studies conducted by the Power System Studies Group
Powertech Labs Inc.
Vancouver, Canada
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WSCC August 10, 1996 Disturbance Initial
Conditions
High ambient temperatures in Northwest; high power
transfer from Canada to California
Prior to main outage, three 500 kV line sections from
lower Columbia River to load centres in Oregon were
out of service due to tree faults
Line outages caused voltage reduction in lower
Columbia River area from around 540 kV to 510 kV
Main outage at 15:47:36, loss of Ross-Lexington 230 kV
line due to tree flash over
Growing 0.234 Hz oscillations caused:
tripping of lines resulting in formation of four islands
loss of 30,500 MW load
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WSCC August 10, 1996 Disturbance
Event 4: 15:47:36 Ross-Lexington 230 kV - flashed to tree (+ 115 kv cct loss)
Event 2: 14:52:37 John Day - Marion 500 kV LG - flashed to tree
Event 1: 14:06:39 Big Eddy - Ostrander 500kV LG fault - flashed to tree
Event 3: 15:42:03 Keeler-Alliston 500 kV - LG - flashed to tree
Event 5: 15:47:36-15:48:09 8 McNary Units trip
2
1
3
4
4 5
111. 1539pk
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WSCC August 10, 1996 Disturbance
Recordings showed undamped oscillations throughout
WSCC with a frequency of about 0.23 Hz
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WSCC August 10, 1996 Disturbance cont'd
As a result of the
undamped
oscillations, the
system split into
four large islands
Over 7.5 million
customers experienced
outages ranging from a
few minutes to nine
hours! Total load loss
30,500 MW
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Application of Power System Stabilizers
Mode shape and participation
factors were computed for the
critical mode
Participations of generator
speed terms, controllability
and observability used to find
best locations for PSS tuning
or additions
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Sites Selected for PSS Modifications
San Onofre
(Addition) Palo Verde
(Tune existing)
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Verification of PSS Effectiveness
With existing controls
Eigenvalue = 0.0597 + j 1.771
Frequency = 0.2818 Hz
Damping ratio = -0.0337
With PSS modifications
Eigenvalue = -0.0717 + j 1.673
Frequency = 0.2664
Damping ratio = 0.0429
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Design of HVDC Modulations
HVDC shown (as expected) to have low participation in
mode
Often however, HVDC can be modulated to improve
damping provided adequate input signal is found and
proper compensator is designed
Frequency responses were examined for several
potential input signals
Frequency response magnitude identifies local bus
frequency as having good observability/
controllability of mode of interest
Frequency response phase used to design
compensator which provides proper modulation signal
to HVDC controls
Time-domain and eigenvalue analysis used to verify
modulation performance
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Verification of Effectiveness of HVDC Modulation
Simulation event
Without HVDC Modulation
Eigenvalue = 0.0597 + j
1.771
Frequency = 0.2818 Hz
Damping ratio = -0.0337
With HVDC Modulations
Eigenvalue = -0.108 + j
1.797
Frequency = 0.2859 Hz
Damping ratio = 0.0602
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Appendix to Section on
Small-Signal Stability
Copies of Papers:
1. Application of Power System Stabilizers for
Enhancement of Overall System Stability
2. A Fundamental Study of Inter-Area Oscillations in
Power Systems
3. Analytical Investigation of Factors Influencing Power
System Stabilizers Performance
4. Effective Use of Power system Stabilizers for
Enhancement of Power system Reliability